Articulating camera transport apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

An articulating camera transport apparatus and corresponding methods involving an articulating camera truck for accommodating a camera element and for engaging a set of camera dolly tracks, the tracks having a curvature, the truck including a carrier and an undercarriage, the undercarriage having a plurality of articulating wheels and a structure for gimbaling the plurality of articulating wheels for accommodating the curvature and for facilitating a smooth passage of the truck along the tracks.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This patent application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/820,595 filed Jun. 19, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No.7,637,215 entitled “Articulating Camera Transport Apparatus and Method,”which is incorporated in its entirety here by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention technically relates to motion picture apparatusesand methods. More particularly, the present invention technicallyrelates to motion picture apparatuses and methods for accommodatingcamera equipment. Even more particularly, the present invention istechnically relates to motion picture apparatuses and methods foraccommodating and transporting camera equipment.

BACKGROUND ART

The currently existing related art involves several apparatuses andmethods for transporting camera equipment. Spielberg et al. (U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2003/0075070) discloses a switcher trackapparatus comprising four switch units having precisely supportedturntables at the intersections of the rails of two tracks, with switchsections of the track on the turntables movable into alternate switchingpositions in alignment with the two tracks and with magnet assembliesfor establishing and releasably holding precise alignment. The wheelassemblies are supported on carriers of a V-shaped cross-sectionalshape. Losmandy (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0064386)discloses an apparatus and a method for moving and positioning a cameramounted on a dolly, comprising two flexible, but semi-rigid, rails whichare positioned parallel to one another such that a dolly with wheels canbe placed on, and guided by, the flexible semi-rigid rails.

In addition, Nilsen (U.S. Pat. No. 7,089,867) discloses a device forlifting and repositioning a track used in television and motion pictureindustries on which a camera dolly or crane is located. The camera dollyincludes bogie wheels mounted on a V-shaped bracket. Brown et al. (U.S.Pat. No. 5,974,978) discloses a lightweight, remote-controlled,self-propelled equipment support and transport system, wherein theequipment support is mounted in an angular isolation relative to thedrive car by a system of damped pivots about pitch and yaw axes. Chapman(U.S. Pat. No. 5,609,108) discloses a camera dolly which has a trackwheel system, including a kingpin pivotally supported on a dollychassis. Chapman (U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,117) discloses a track wheelsystem for a camera dolly, wherein a kingpin is pivotably attached tothe dolly chassis and an axel is attached to the kingpin. A bushing isplaced on a first section of the axle, a wheel bearing is attached tothe bushing, and a first track wheel is attached to the wheel bearing.

Zelli (U.S. Pat. No. 4,398,469) discloses a rail-supported carriage,adapted to be moved along a pair of rails spaced from one another at apredetermined distance which includes at least three wheel assemblies,each wheel assembly including a frame. A connecting mechanism connectsthe oppositely disposed wheel assemblies and includes a compensatingarrangement mounted on each wheel assembly for compensating anyvariation in distance between oppositely disposed wheel assemblies dueto any curvature in the rails, each compensating arrangement includes aplatform and a pin passing through the platform, and wherein theplatform is movable with respect to the frame. Muller et al. (PCTApplication Publication No. WO 96/09490) discloses a movable carriagewhich comprises a support for a camera, the carriage having a frame thatis fitted with wheels and rollers. The support is provided with an armcomprising two elements which are mounted telescopically, the lower endof the arm being fixed to the frame to pivot about a vertical axis andoscillate with respect to a horizontal axis, the upper end of the armcarrying the platen to fix the camera which is attached to the upperextremity via a horizontal articulation axis, and the frame comprising,at right angles to the arm, a recess such that the arm can be loweredinto the recess to bring the platen substantially to ground level.

Common problems experienced in the related art are that the wheels donot fully pivot nor articulate, that the wheels do not fully engage thetracks throughout the travel, that a tendency exists for the wheels toseparate from the tracks, that undue friction, vibration, and noise arepresent, whereby filming is undermined, that the scope of use forvarious dollies or cranes is limited, that the scope of use withdifferent tracks is limited, and the like. FIG. 1 is a bottom view of aplurality of wheels 110 that are mounted to a V-shaped bracket 120 of ato camera transport apparatus 100, wherein pivoting is limited and noarticulation is provided, in accordance with the prior art. FIG. 3 is afront view of a plurality of wheels 110 that are mounted to a V-shapedbracket 120 of a camera transport apparatus 100, wherein pivoting islimited and no articulation is provided, and wherein the wheels 110 havea tendency to separate from a track T during travel (d>0), in accordancewith the prior art. Thus, a long-felt need is seen to exist for anapparatus and a method which provide greater flexibility of use under awider range of filming conditions.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the foregoing problems in the relatedart in an apparatus and corresponding methods for providing wheels thatpivot, fully articulate, and fully engage the tracks throughout travel,that eliminate undue friction, vibration, and noise, whereby filming isstreamlined, and that have a wide scope of use for various dollies, andtracks. The present invention articulating camera transport apparatusgenerally comprises an articulating camera truck for accommodating acamera element and for engaging a set of camera dolly tracks, the trackshaving a curvature, the truck comprising a carrier and an undercarriage,the undercarriage comprising a plurality of articulating wheels and astructure for gimbaling the plurality of articulating wheels foraccommodating the curvature and for facilitating a smooth passage of thetruck along the tracks.

The present invention method of fabricating an articulating cameratransport apparatus generally comprises the step of providing anarticulating camera truck for accommodating a camera element and forengaging a set of camera dolly tracks, the tracks having a curvature,the truck providing step comprising providing a carrier and providing anundercarriage, the undercarriage providing step comprising providing aplurality of articulating wheels and providing a structure for gimbalingthe plurality of articulating wheels for accommodating the curvature andfor facilitating a smooth passage of the truck along the tracks.

The present invention method of transporting a camera element by way ofan articulating camera transport apparatus generally comprises the stepsof: providing an articulating camera truck for accommodating a cameraelement and for engaging a set of camera dolly tracks, the tracks havinga curvature, the truck providing step comprising providing a carrier andproviding an undercarriage, the undercarriage providing step iscomprising providing a plurality of articulating wheels and providing astructure for gimbaling the plurality of articulating wheels foraccommodating the curvature and for facilitating a smooth passage of thetruck along the tracks; disposing the camera element on the articulatingcamera truck; and applying a force to the articulating camera truck,thereby transporting the camera element.

Advantages of the present invention include, but are not limited to,wheels that pivot; fully articulate, and fully engage the tracksthroughout the travel, elimination of undue friction, vibration, andnoise, streamlining filming, and a system that has a wide scope of usefor various dollies, and tracks. Other features of the present inventionare disclosed, or are as apparent, in the section entitled “Mode(s) forCarrying-Out the Invention,” disclosed, infra.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is madeto the below-referenced description of the accompanying Drawing.Reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the presentinvention throughout the several figures of the Drawing.

FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a plurality of wheels that are mounted to aV-shaped bracket of a camera transport apparatus, wherein pivoting islimited, and wherein no articulation is provided, in accordance with theprior art.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a structure for gimbaling a plurality ofwheels of an articulating camera transport apparatus, wherein the wheelspivot as well as articulate, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a plurality of wheels that are mounted to aV-shaped bracket of a camera transport apparatus, wherein pivoting islimited and no articulation is provided, and wherein the wheels have atendency to separate from a track during travel, in accordance with theprior art.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a plurality of wheels that are mounted to amounting bracket of an articulating camera transport apparatus, whereinpivoting and articulation are provided, and wherein the wheels remain incontact with a track during travel, in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an articulating camera transportapparatus with an extendible carrier, wherein the extendible carriercomprises an extension member, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an articulating camera transport apparatus withan extendible carrier, wherein an extension member is removed toaccommodate a camera element, e.g., a camera dolly, having a largerwheel or tire, and wherein the camera element wheel or tire has threepoints of contact with the carrier, in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of an articulating camera transport apparatus withan extendible carrier, wherein an extension member is undeployed toaccommodate a camera element, e.g., a camera dolly, having a smallerwheel or tire, and wherein the camera element wheel or tire has threepoints of contact with the extension member, in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an articulating camera transportapparatus with an extendible carrier which is traveling along a set ofcurved tracks, wherein the extension members are undeployed, inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an articulating camera transportapparatus with an extendible carrier which is traveling along a set ofcurved tracks, wherein the extension members are deployed, in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of an articulating cameratransport apparatus with an extendible carrier which is traveling alonga set of curved tracks, wherein the carrier further comprises anextension member, wherein the extension member is undeployed, theextension member comprising a retaining flange and at least one pinmember disposed on a lower surface of the extension member for selectiveregistration with at least one registration element such as the tap andthe outboard edge, the retaining flange being translatable within theinboard open section for imparting structural stability to the extensionmember, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of an articulating cameratransport apparatus with an extendible carrier which is traveling alonga set of curved tracks, wherein the carrier further comprises anextension member, wherein the extension member is being deployed, theextension member comprising a retaining flange and at least one pinmember disposed on a lower surface of the extension member for selectiveregistration with at least one registration element such as the tap andthe outboard edge, the retaining flange being translatable within theinboard open section for imparting structural stability to the extensionmember, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 12A is a side view of an articulating camera transport apparatuswith an extendible carrier, wherein the extension members are removed toaccommodate a camera element, e.g., a “Model 10” camera dolly by exampleonly, having a larger wheel or tire, and wherein the camera elementwheel or tire has three points of contact with the carrier, inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 12B is a close side view of an articulating camera transportapparatus with an extendible carrier, as shown in FIG. 12A, wherein theextension members are removed to accommodate a camera element, e.g., a“Model 10” camera dolly by example only, having a larger wheel or tire,and wherein the camera element wheel or tire has three points of contactwith the carrier, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 13A is a side view of an articulating camera transport apparatuswith an extendible carrier, wherein the extension members are undeployedto accommodate a camera element, e.g., a “Model 11” camera dolly byexample only, having a smaller wheel or tire, and wherein the cameraelement wheel or tire has three points of contact with the extensionmember, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 13B is a close side view of an articulating camera transportapparatus with an extendible carrier, wherein the extension members areundeployed to accommodate a camera element, e.g., a “Model 11” cameradolly by example only, having a smaller wheel or tire, and wherein thecamera element wheel or tire has three points of contact with theextension member, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a side view of an articulating camera transport apparatuswith an extendible carrier, wherein the extension members are deployedto accommodate a camera element, e.g., a “Chinese Model 11” camera dollywith dolly wheels oriented in a position being perpendicular to that ofthe “Model 11” camera dolly, by example only, having a smaller wheel ortire, and wherein the camera element wheel or tire has three points ofcontact with the extension member, in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 is a top view of an articulating camera transport kit,comprising a carrying case, a pair of articulating camera transportapparatuses with an extendible carriers, and a placard optionally havingindicia, the indicia comprising an element such as a trademark orservice mark, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a top view of an articulating camera transport apparatusbearing a camera dolly, by example only, wherein the gimbaling structurecomprises color-coding for facilitating orientation of a pair ofarticulating camera transport apparatuses with extendible carriers,wherein a blue marking may indicate the set of articulating wheels whichdo not translate, and wherein a red marking may indicate the set ofarticulating wheels which do translate for accommodating varying isdistance between the tracks, by example only, such that the apparatusesare consistently disposed on the tracks, in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of a gimbaling structure of anarticulating camera transport apparatus, in accordance with the presentinvention.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 2 illustrates, in a bottom view, a structure 220 for gimbaling aplurality of wheels 210 of an articulating camera transport apparatus200, wherein the wheels 210 pivot at an angle theta as well asarticulate at an angle phi, in accordance with the present invention.The articulating camera transport apparatus 200 generally comprises anarticulating camera truck 240 for accommodating a camera element 300 andfor engaging a set of camera dolly tracks T, the tracks T having acurvature, the truck 240 comprising a carrier 250 and an undercarriage260, the undercarriage 260 comprising a plurality of articulating wheels210 and a structure 270 for gimbaling the plurality of articulatingwheels 210 for accommodating the curvature and for facilitating a smoothpassage of the truck 240 along the tracks T. The camera element 300comprises at least one element such as a camera platform (not shown), acamera dolly (FIGS. 12A, 13A, and 14), a camera crane (not shown), and acamera crane base (not shown).

Still referring to FIG. 2, each set of articulating wheel pairs maycomprise four articulating wheel pairs. The four articulating wheelpairs may comprise two pairs of inboard articulating wheel pairs 211 andtwo pairs of outboard articulating wheel pairs 212, wherein the inboardarticulating wheel pairs 211 are pivotally mounted to the respectiverigid section to ends 221 e and to the moment arm section proximal ends222 a, whereby the inboard articulating wheel pairs 211 pivot inrelation to the rigid section 221, and wherein the outboard articulatingwheel pairs 212 are pivotally mounted to the respective moment armdistal ends 222 b, whereby the outboard articulating wheel pairs 212swing in relation to the rigid section 221 in an angle theta, andwhereby mechanical stability and articulation at an angle phi areoptimized. Each wheel pair independently gimbals from any other wheelpair. The plurality of articulating wheels 210 may comprise a pluralityof skateboard wheels. The plurality of skateboard wheels comprise arespective plurality of skateboard “tires” which are made from at leastone material, such as a flexible polymer, an elastic polymer, anelastomer, a polyurethane, a rubber, a nylon, a fluorinated polymer, andan acetal resin engineering plastic, such as Delrin®, polyoxymethylene(POM), acetal resin, polytrioxane and polyformaldehyde, for facilitatingsmoothness and shock absorption.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the angled axle 223 preferably subtends anangle of approximately 90°. The undercarriage 260 comprises at least oneslot (not shown) for facilitating translation of the mounting bracket220 in order to accommodate varying distances between the tracks T. Thewheel mounting bracket 220 comprises a swivel member 225 being pivotallycoupled to the undercarriage 260, wherein the swivel member 225 ispivotally coupled to the undercarriage 260 through the at least oneslot, wherein the gimbaling structure 270 further comprises at least onelow friction-coefficient member 226 such as a gasket and a washer, theat least one friction-coefficient member 226 being disposed between theswivel member 225 and the undercarriage 260, and wherein the lowfriction-coefficient member 226 comprises at least one material such asa polymer, a composite, a polypropylene, a polyethylene, and afluorinated polymer. The swivel member 225 may be mechanically coupledor integrally formed with the rigid section 221.

FIG. 4 illustrates, in a front view, a plurality of wheels 210 that aremounted to a mounting bracket 220 of an articulating camera transportapparatus 200, wherein pivoting and articulation are provided, andwherein the plurality of wheels 210 remain in contact with a track Tduring travel (d=0), in accordance with the present invention. Theplurality of articulating wheels 210 comprises at least one wheelconfiguration selected from a group consisting essentially of at leastone pair of articulating wheels, at least four pairs of articulatingwheels, at least two sets of articulating wheel pairs, and at least foursets of articulating wheel pairs. The gimbaling structure 270 comprisesa wheel mounting bracket 220 coupled to the undercarriage 260, the wheelmounting bracket 220 including a rigid section 221 having two ends 221 eand at least one moment arm section 222 having proximal and distal ends222 a, 222 b, the at least one moment arm section proximal end 222 abeing pivotally coupled with one end of the rigid section ends 221 e,and an angled axle 223 corresponding to each wheel pair, the angled axle223 being rotatably coupled to the at least one moment arm section 222.

FIG. 5 illustrates, in a perspective view, an articulating cameratransport apparatus 200 with an extendible carrier, wherein theextendible carrier 250 comprises an extension member 230, in accordancewith the present invention. The articulating camera transport apparatus200 generally comprises an articulating camera truck 240 foraccommodating a camera element 300 and for engaging a set of cameradolly tracks T, the tracks T having a curvature; the truck 240comprising a carrier 250 and an undercarriage 260, the undercarriage 260comprising a plurality of articulating wheels 210 and a structure 270for gimbaling the plurality of articulating wheels 210 for accommodatingthe curvature of the tracks T and for facilitating a smooth passage ofthe truck 240 along the tracks T. The carrier 250 comprises at least oneoutboard edge 251 and an inboard open section 252, the carrier 250 beingextendible for accommodating varying sizes and orientations of thecamera element 300.

FIG. 6 illustrates, in a side view, an articulating camera transportapparatus 200 with an extendible carrier 250, wherein an extensionmember 230 is removed to accommodate a camera element 300, e.g., acamera dolly, having a larger wheel or tire, and wherein the cameraelement wheel or tire has three points of contact with the carrier 250or the extension member 230, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates, in a side view, an articulating camera transportapparatus 200 with an extendible carrier 250, wherein an extensionmember 230 is undeployed to accommodate a camera element 300, e.g., acamera dolly, having a smaller wheel or tire, and wherein the cameraelement wheel or tire has three points of contact with the extensionmember 230 which provides further stability, in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates, in a perspective view, an articulating cameratransport apparatus 200 with an extendible carrier 250 which istraveling along a set of curved tracks T, wherein the extension members230 are undeployed, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates, in a perspective view, an articulating cameratransport apparatus 200 with an extendible carrier 250 which istraveling along a set of curved tracks T, wherein the extension members230 are deployed, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates, in a partial perspective view, an articulatingcamera transport apparatus 200 with an extendible carrier 250 which istraveling along a set of curved tracks T, wherein the carrier 250further comprises at least one tap 253 and at least one extension member230, the at least one extension member 230 comprising a retaining flange231 and at least one pin member (not shown) disposed on a lower surfaceof the at least one extension member 230 for selective registration withat least one registration element selected from a group consistingessentially of the at least one tap 253 and the at least one outboardedge 251, the retaining flange 231 being translatable within the inboardopen section 233 for imparting structural stability to the at least oneextension 230, in accordance with the present invention. The extension230 is shown in an undeployed inboard position.

FIG. 11 illustrates, in a partial perspective view, an articulatingcamera transport apparatus 200 with an extendible carrier 250 which istraveling along a set of curved tracks T, wherein the carrier 250further comprises at least one tap 253 and at least one extension member230, the at least one extension member 230 comprising a retaining flange231 and at to least one pin member (not shown) disposed on a lowersurface of the at least one extension member 230 for selectiveregistration with at least one registration element selected from agroup consisting essentially of the at least one tap 253 and the atleast one outboard edge 251, the retaining flange 231 being translatablewithin the inboard open section 233 for imparting structural stabilityto the at least one extension 230, in accordance with the presentinvention. The extension 230 is shown being deployed by manuallytranslation into an outboard position.

FIG. 12A illustrates, in a side view, an articulating camera transportapparatus 200 with an extendible carrier 250, wherein the extensionmembers 230 are removed to accommodate a camera element 300, e.g., a“Model 10” camera dolly by example only, having a larger wheel or tire,and wherein the larger camera element wheel or tire has three points ofcontact with the carrier 250, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 12B illustrates, in a close side view, an articulating cameratransport apparatus 200 with an extendible carrier 250, as shown in FIG.12A, wherein the extension members 230 are removed to accommodate acamera element 300, e.g., a “Model 10” camera dolly by example only,having a larger wheel or tire, and wherein the larger camera elementwheel or tire has three points of contact with the carrier 250, inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 13A illustrates, in a side view, an articulating camera transportapparatus 200 with an extendible carrier 250, wherein the extensionmembers 230 are undeployed to accommodate a camera element 300, e.g., a“Model 11” camera dolly by example only, having a smaller wheel or tire,and wherein the smaller camera element wheel or tire has three points ofcontact with the extension member 230, in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 13B illustrates, in a close side view, an articulating cameratransport apparatus 200 with an extendible carrier 250, wherein theextension members 230 are undeployed to accommodate a camera element300, e.g., a “Model 11” camera dolly by example only, having a smallerwheel or tire, and wherein the smaller camera element wheel or tire hasthree points of to contact with the extension member 230, in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates, in a side view, an articulating camera transportapparatus 200 with an extendible carrier 250, wherein the extensionmembers 230 are deployed to accommodate a camera element 300, e.g., a“Chinese Model 11” camera dolly with dolly wheels oriented in a isposition being perpendicular to that of the “Model 11” camera dolly, byexample only, having a smaller wheel or tire, and wherein theperpendicularly-oriented smaller camera element wheel or tire has threepoints of contact with the extension member 230, in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates, in a top view, an articulating camera transport kitK, the kit K comprising a carrying case 500, at least one articulatingcamera transport apparatus 200 with an extendible carrier 250, inaccordance with the present invention. The kit K further comprises atleast one placard (not shown), wherein the at least one placardcomprises indicia, the indicia comprising an element such as a trademarkor service mark.

FIG. 16 illustrates, in a top view, an articulating camera transportapparatus 200 bearing a camera dolly, by example only, wherein thegimbaling structure 270 comprises color-coding 280 for facilitatingorientation of the articulating camera transport apparatus 200 with anextendible carrier 250, wherein a blue marking 281 may indicate the setof articulating wheels 210 which do not translate, and wherein a redmarking 282 may indicate the set of articulating wheels 210 which dotranslate for accommodating varying distance between the tracks T, byexample only, such that the apparatus 200 is consistently disposed onthe tracks T for ensuring smoothness of travel, in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates, in an exploded perspective view, a gimbalingstructure 270 of an articulating camera transport apparatus 200, inaccordance with the present invention. The gimbaling structure 270comprises a wheel mounting bracket 220 coupled to the undercarriage 260,the wheel mounting bracket 220 including a rigid section 221 having twoends 221 e and at least one moment arm section 222 having proximal anddistal ends 222 a, 222 b, the at least one moment arm section proximalend 222 a being pivotally coupled with one end of the rigid section ends221 e, and an angled axle 223 corresponding to each wheel pair, theangled axle 223 being rotatably coupled to the at least one moment armsection 222. The wheel mounting bracket 220 comprises a swivel member225 being pivotally coupled to the undercarriage 260 or 260′, whereinthe swivel member 225 is pivotally coupled to the undercarriage 260′through the at least one slot 261, wherein the gimbaling structure 270further comprises at least one low friction-coefficient member 226selected from a group consisting essentially of a gasket and a washer,the at least one friction-coefficient member 226 being disposed betweenthe swivel member 225 and the undercarriage 260, and wherein the lowfriction-coefficient member 226 comprises at least one material such asa flexible polymer, an elastic polymer, an elastomer, a polyurethane, arubber, a nylon, a fluorinated polymer, and an acetal resin engineeringplastic, such as Delrin®, polyoxymethylene (POM), acetal resin,polytrioxane and polyformaldehyde, for facilitating smoothness and shockabsorption. The swivel member 225 may be mechanically coupled orintegrally formed with the rigid section 221.

Information, as herein shown and described in detail, is fully capableof attaining the above-described object of the invention. The presentlypreferred embodiment of the invention, is, thus, representative of thesubject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention.The scope of the present invention also fully encompasses otherembodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and isto be limited, accordingly, by nothing other than the appended claims,wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean“one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one ormore.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of theabove-described preferred embodiment and additional embodiments that areknown to those of ordinary skill in the art are hereby expresslyincorporated by reference and are intended to be encompassed by thepresent claims.

Moreover, no requirement exists for a device or method to address eachand every problem sought to be resolved by the present invention, forsuch to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element,component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to bededicated to the public, regardless of whether the element, component,or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. However, thatvarious changes and modifications, in form, material, and fabricationmaterial detail, may be made, without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims, should bereadily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art as beingencompassed by the present invention. No claim herein is to be construedunder the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless theelement is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention industrially applies to motion picture apparatusesand methods. More particularly, the present invention industriallyapplies to motion picture apparatuses and methods for accommodatingcamera equipment. Even more particularly, the present inventionindustrially applies motion picture apparatuses and methods foraccommodating and transporting camera equipment.

1. An articulating camera transport apparatus for accommodating a cameraelement and for engaging a set of camera dolly tracks, the tracks havinga curvature, the articulating camera transport apparatus, comprising: a.a carrier to support the camera element; b. an undercarriage connectingthe carrier to a plurality of articulating wheels; and c. a gimbalingmechanism for gimbaling the articulating wheels to accommodate thecurvature of the tracks and to facilitate a smooth passage of thecarrier along the tracks, wherein the gimbaling mechanism comprises: i.a wheel mounting bracket coupled to the undercarriage, the wheelmounting bracket comprising (a) a rigid section having two ends, and (b)at least one arm rotatably coupled to the rigid section at a firstswivel point; and ii. an integrally formed angled axle comprising afirst wheel pair, the angled axle being rotatably coupled to the atleast one arm.
 2. An apparatus, as recited in claim 1, wherein theundercarriage comprises at least one slot for facilitating translationof the mounting bracket in order to accommodate varying distancesbetween the tracks.
 3. An apparatus, as recited in claim 1, wherein thewheel mounting bracket comprises a swivel member being pivotally coupledto the undercarriage.
 4. An apparatus, as recited in claim 1, whereinthe carrier comprises at least one outboard edge and an inboard opensection, the carrier being extendible for accommodating varying sizesand orientations of the camera element.
 5. An apparatus, as recited inclaim 4, wherein the carrier further comprises at least one tap and atleast one extension member, the at least one extension member comprisinga retaining flange and at least one pin member disposed on a lowersurface of the at least one extension member for selective registrationwith at least one registration element selected from a group consistingessentially of the at least one tap and the at least one outboard edge,the retaining flange being translatable within the inboard open sectionfor imparting structural stability to the at least one extension.
 6. Anarticulating camera transport apparatus for accommodating a cameraelement and for engaging a set of camera dolly tracks, the tracks havinga curvature, the articulating camera transport apparatus, comprising: a.a carrier to support the camera element; and b. a plurality ofarticulating wheels operatively connected to the carrier by a gimbalingmechanism for gimbaling the articulating wheels to accommodate thecurvature of the tracks and to facilitate a smooth passage of thecarrier along the tracks, wherein the gimbaling mechanism comprises: ii.a wheel mounting bracket coupled to the carrier, the wheel mountingbracket, comprising: (a) a rigid section having two ends, and (b) atleast one arm rotatably coupled to the rigid section at a first swivelpoint; and iii. an integrally formed angled axle comprising a firstwheel pair, the angled axle being rotatably coupled to the at least onearm.
 7. An apparatus, as recited in claim 6, wherein the plurality ofarticulating wheels comprises at least one wheel configuration selectedfrom a group consisting of: a. at least one pair of articulating wheels;b. at least four pairs of articulating wheels; c. at least two sets ofarticulating wheel pairs; and d. at least four sets of articulatingwheel pairs.
 8. An apparatus, as recited in claim 7, wherein each wheelpair gimbals independently from any other wheel pair.
 9. An apparatus,as recited in claim 6, wherein the plurality of articulating wheelscomprises a plurality of skateboard wheels.
 10. An apparatus, as recitedin claim 6, wherein the angled axle subtends an angle in a range ofapproximately 0° to approximately 90°.
 11. An apparatus, as recited inclaim 6, wherein the camera element comprises at least one elementselected from a group consisting essentially of a camera platform, acamera dolly, a camera crane, and a camera crane base.
 12. An apparatus,as recited in claim 6, wherein the carrier comprises at least oneoutboard edge and an inboard open section, the carrier being extendiblefor accommodating varying sizes and orientations of the camera element.13. An apparatus, as recited in claim 12, wherein the carrier furthercomprises at least one tap and at least one extension member, the atleast one extension member comprising a retaining flange and at leastone pin member disposed on a lower surface of the at least one extensionmember for selective registration with at least one registration elementselected from a group consisting essentially of the at least one tap andthe at least one outboard edge, the retaining flange being translatablewithin the inboard open section for imparting structural stability tothe at least one extension.
 14. An articulating camera transportapparatus for accommodating a camera element and for engaging a set ofcamera dolly tracks, the tracks having a curvature, the articulatingcamera transport apparatus, comprising: a. a carrier to support thecamera element; b. a plurality of articulating wheels operativelyconnected to the carrier; and c. a means for gimbaling the plurality ofarticulating wheels for accommodating the curvature of the tracks andfacilitating a smooth passage of the truck along the tracks, wherein thecarrier comprises at least one extension member to make the carrierextendible for accommodating varying sizes and orientations of thecamera element, wherein the carrier further comprises at least oneoutboard edge and at least one tap, and wherein the at least oneextension member comprising at least one pin member disposed on a lowersurface of the at least one extension member for selective registrationwith at least one registration element selected from the groupconsisting of the at least one tap and the at least one outboard edge.15. An apparatus, as recited in claim 14, wherein the plurality ofarticulating wheels is connected to the carrier by an undercarriage. 16.An apparatus, as recited in claim 15, wherein the undercarriagecomprises at least one slot for facilitating translation of the meansfor gimbaling the plurality of articulating wheels in order toaccommodate varying distances between the tracks.
 17. An articulatingcamera transport apparatus for accommodating a camera element and forengaging a set of camera dolly tracks, the tracks having a curvature,the articulating camera transport apparatus, comprising: a. a carrier tosupport the camera element; b. a plurality of articulating wheelsoperatively connected to the carrier; and c. a means for gimbaling theplurality of articulating wheels for accommodating the curvature of thetracks and facilitating a smooth passage of the truck along the tracks,wherein the carrier comprises at least one extension member to make thecarrier extendible for accommodating varying sizes and orientations ofthe camera element, wherein the at least one extension member comprisesa retaining flange, and wherein the carrier further comprises an inboardopen section, wherein the retaining flange is translatable within theinboard open section for imparting structural stability to the at leastone extension.
 18. An articulating camera transport apparatus foraccommodating a camera element and for engaging a set of camera dollytracks, the tracks having a curvature, the articulating camera transportapparatus, comprising: a. a carrier to support the camera element; b. aplurality of articulating wheels operatively connected to the carrier;and c. a means for gimbaling the plurality of articulating wheels foraccommodating the curvature of the tracks and facilitating a smoothpassage of the truck along the tracks, wherein the carrier comprises atleast one extension member to make the carrier extendible foraccommodating varying sizes and orientations of the camera element,wherein the means for gimbaling comprises: 1) a wheel mounting bracketcoupled to the carrier, the wheel mounting bracket, comprising: i. arigid section having two ends, and ii. at least one arm rotatablycoupled to the rigid section at a first swivel point; and 2) an angledaxle comprising a first wheel pair, the angled axle being rotatablycoupled to the at least one arm at a second swivel point.
 19. Anapparatus, as recited in claim 18, further comprising a set ofarticulating wheel pairs, the set of articulating wheel pairs,comprising four articulating wheel pairs, wherein the four articulatingwheel pairs comprise two pairs of inboard articulating wheel pairs andtwo pairs of outboard articulating wheel pairs, wherein the inboardarticulating wheel pairs are pivotally mounted to the respective rigidsection ends and to the arm section proximal ends, whereby the inboardarticulating wheel pairs pivot in relation to the rigid section, whereinthe outboard articulating wheel pairs are pivotally mounted to therespective arm distal ends, whereby the outboard articulating wheelpairs swing in relation to the rigid section, and whereby mechanicalstability and articulation are optimized.